JP2010522680A - Method for monitoring luggage, lookout instruction system and distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

The method relates to a method for monitoring at least one item storage and / or shipping luggage, wherein data about the characteristics of the item and / or the effect on the item is measured. According to the invention, the method is performed with at least two sensors provided so that they can measure the data, and the transmitting unit associates at least two sensor data. The method further comprises a lookout instruction system and a logistics system.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and system for monitoring storage and / or transport packages of at least one item.

  It is known to monitor the physical properties of a package during shipment. A method for securing and monitoring containers and a container having means for securing and monitoring are known from the international patent application with publication number WO 2006/072268.

  It is desirable to create a method that improves the integrity of the transportation of items.

  It is further desirable to create a lookout indication system capable of performing the method.

  Furthermore, it is desirable to create a physical distribution system provided with this watch instruction system.

  According to the invention, this object is solved by the procedure according to claim 1, the look-out instruction system according to claim 10 and the logistics system according to claim 19.

  The present invention includes a method for monitoring the storage and / or shipment of at least one item, wherein data about the characteristics of the item and / or the effect on the item is measured.

  The method is performed with at least two sensors provided so that they can measure the data, and the transmission unit correlates the data of the at least two sensors.

  The method is performed with at least two sensors provided so that they can measure the data, the transmission unit receives the data of the at least two sensors, and selects the data to be transmitted. Make a decision.

  If different data can be transmitted from the response device to the receiving unit, the method allows, for example, flexible selection.

  An example of this is, for example, that location data for each package item is transmitted, but other characteristics, such as the temperature of the item, are not transmitted.

  This allows for different quality services / service levels.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method is carried out with each watch indicating system being configured such that the transmission unit is a response measure.

  It is further advantageous that the transmission unit operates according to mobile communication standards.

  According to a further refinement of the invention, the logical node of the logistics system decides on the selection of data to be transmitted from the transmission unit to the reception unit.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the method, the look-ahead system and the logistics system are equipped such that at least one of the sensors can detect the influence of a parameter that requires a change in data transmission.

  It is particularly advantageous for the control unit to send information about the desired data selection to the unit (responder).

  In an advantageous embodiment, the user can select the type of data to be transmitted.

  It would be advantageous if the user could make this selection on a web page.

  The present invention makes it possible to carry out this selection in the operation of the logistics system and / or in the operation of the lookout indication system.

  The user's order is transmitted to the lookout instruction system in an appropriate manner, for example using communication means for communication between the lookout instruction system and the logistics system's logical nodes.

  Sensors control parameters of items, some items, or the packages that transport them, and the data measured by those sensors ensure that some items can be protected from harmful effects For this reason, it is called a lookout sensor.

In order to improve the functionality of this lookout function, the present invention comprises a lookout indication system,
A transmission unit including an integrated circuit integrated with an antenna;
At least two lookout sensors that monitor at least two physical parameters of the item;
A determination module for determining the current state by receiving time and temperature dependent measurement data from the lookout sensor and applying the measurement data to the trend data from the storage module;
A communication interface with the transmission unit that causes the reader to read the current status data corresponding to the state determined by the determination module;
With a power management module,
The integrated circuit includes alarm and sensor status data, and program instructions for relaying communication between the receiving unit and the sensor.

  Embodiments of the present invention further comprise one or more additional lookout sensors that are integral with the RFID responder for communication, and one or more additional lookout sensors on the same or different RFID readers or both. The item data measured by is read out.

  According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the sensors is connected to a storage module for storing predefined or measured data.

  In one embodiment, the storage module further comprises an RFID response device unit for controlling the RFID response device and a dedicated sensor unit including sensor data.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, the RFID responder unit includes alarm and sensor status data, and program instructions for relaying communication between the RFID reader and the sensor.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the monitoring module compares the status data with one or more predetermined trends and provides an alert when the impact factor for the item reaches a critical value.

  Examples of impact factors include temperature, pressure, humidity and radiation.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, the look-ahead system further comprises one or more additional item integrity sensors that are integral with the responder for communication, either on the same or different readers, or both, The item data measured by further additional sensors is read out.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the storage module includes a response device unit for controlling the response device and a dedicated sensor unit including sensor data.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, the responder unit comprises alarm and sensor status data and program instructions for relaying communication between the reader and the sensor.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, the power management module periodically activates the monitoring element from sleep or other constant power state to collect sensor measurements.

  The present invention further includes a logistics system for transporting a package including at least one item from a starting point to a receiving point, and the logistics system is a logical node capable of transmitting control information to at least two sensors of a look-out instruction system And at least one reading mechanism for receiving data from the lookout sensor.

A preferred embodiment of the logistics system is characterized in that the control information is transmitted by a response device.
It is further advantageous that the control information is transmitted according to a telecommunication standard.

  The invention further includes the logical node of the logistics system making a decision about the selection of data to be transmitted from the transmission unit to the receiving unit.

  The present invention can be implemented in numerous embodiments.

  It is particularly advantageous to implement a lookout indication system that allows monitoring of the impact on one or more items.

  One or more items are preferably packed in a suitable package 10. The luggage can be composed of various materials such as wood, plastic stick, metal, or combinations thereof.

  Furthermore, it is possible to implement a protective coating 100.

  Such a load having a protective coating is shown in FIG. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the protective coating 100 comprises a bottom 110.

  The sensor is connected to the calculation means 40 in order to calculate the impact factor obtained from the sensor measurement data. The calculating means preferably includes a calculating means for calculating an impact factor obtained from a comparison between measured data and desired and / or acceptable data. Furthermore, the calculation means 40 comprise at least one storage means in an advantageous embodiment.

  It is further useful to incorporate at least one power management module. The power management module, in an advantageous embodiment, includes a power source and means for controlling power flow from the power source to the sensor and / or responder.

  It is particularly advantageous to implement at least one position determining means 50 for determining the position of the package, each item contained in the package / several items.

  One suitable method for implementing the position determining means 50 is the use of a receiver with a global navigation satellite system.

  The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is a standard generic term for satellite navigation systems that provide autonomous geospatial positioning for the Earth's extent. GNSS allows small electronic receivers to determine their position (longitude, latitude, and altitude) up to several meters in the foreground using time signals transmitted in the direction of line of sight by radio telegraph from satellites. . Also, a ground fixed receiver can be used to calculate the exact time as a reference for scientific experiments.

  As of 2007, the US Nabster Global Positioning System (GPS) is the only fully operational GNSS. The Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) is a GNSS in the process of returning to full operation. The European Union Galileo positioning system is the next generation GNSS in the initial deployment phase and is scheduled to go into operation in 2010.

  Alternatively, it is possible to use position sensors that function using different methods. For example, it is possible to determine the position between the responder and one or more readers

  Operates according to RFID standards, WIFI standards or mobile communication standards such as Bluetooth, GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) or UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), or performs satellite communications At least one module capable of being used can be used. The use of a Bluetooth module, GSM module, GPRS or UMTS module is particularly advantageous because it allows position determination and transmission of measurement data.

  The use of a response device combines the benefits of positioning with the transmission of data.

  It is possible to combine one or more different positioning means.

  A load or a container containing a load may include one or more sensors. The sensor controls, for example, atmospheric conditions, temperature, humidity, pressure or impact.

  It is further advantageous to implement at least one item reasoning means in the package. The item reasoning means is operative to register the items in the package and can transmit data about the registered items to the data processing unit.

  An example of an item reasoning unit is an antenna built into a package. In this case, it is particularly advantageous to implement an individual receiver in the item.

  By registering items, it is useful to register at least the number of items contained in the package and to transmit this number to the data processing unit.

  In the preferred embodiment, the package includes a communication module 80 connected to the data processing unit 40.

  The communication module 80 is a response device in a preferred embodiment.

  With this response device, it is possible to continuously transmit data, or to transmit data when an event occurs or after a certain period of time.

  For example, the responding device can be activated to transmit data only when the responding device is instructed to transmit data.

  FIG. 3 shows the simultaneous monitoring of several responders 21. This occurs, for example, after a package loading procedure. Data can be read from each response device 21 by means of detection devices for several items 20. These information can include measurement data and identification information for identifying, for example, some items and / or packages or some packages.

  Further, the communication module 80 transmits information about the ingestion of some items into the package, or information about the impact on the package or some items contained therein, to the receiver 61 or the monitoring center 60. It is possible.

  If the communication module 80 is provided separately, the communication module 80 can send a text notification to the monitoring center 60 or to the receiving means 61. In this way, it is possible to inform the original shipper about the exact number of items in the package and the exact transport / storage status.

  Preferred and alternative embodiments relating to RF high performance labels and sensors, software and processes for specifically monitoring and analyzing transportation effects of item products are described below. The sensors and sensors described serve as a “raw” deadline that informs consumers whether the product is fresh and warns before the item goes bad.

  As will be appreciated if already provided by the item producer, the sensor monitors the temperature and integrates the temperature while referring to a data table containing transport impact parameters for the tagged product.

  A monitoring high performance module is a small multipurpose device designed for use in delivering high value items or items that require special care.

Located within the item to provide real-time data transfer in any combination of the following information, in a very small range, preferably a few centimeters, for example in the range of 1 centimeter to 20 centimeters in each direction: Designed to be.
Item temperature data Shock and vibration data Optical data Sound / dB data Moisture / humidity data Item content tampering alarm GPS position Environmental pressure data

  Designed for use with either rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries, the device uses a variety of methods to communicate and pass data. Using mobile phones, Wi-Fi, satellites or RFID scans, data received from internal sensors can be transmitted in real time or on demand. In order to ensure that the device is not activated when it is in the aircraft, three overlapping detection methods are used to determine whether the module is in the aircraft.

  1) As a first method, an internal sensor that detects the responder signal emitted by the aircraft was used. Within the range of up to 400 yards (364 meters), the sensor could be fine-tuned to ensure reliable responder detection. When detecting a responder signal, the module will not send data and will wait until no signal is detected.

  2) As a second method, an internal sensor was used to detect the pressurized state of the aircraft. If a pressurized condition is detected, the module will not send data until decompression occurs.

  3) If 400 cycles of sound emitted from the aircraft are detected, the module will not transmit data until the engine is stopped.

  The module collects data such as temperature, GPS, vibration, etc. from all onboard sensors and caches the information until the information can be transmitted securely by the desired communication method. Once the information is received, the information is updated on the server, and then the data is distributed through various dynamic interfaces. A small audible siren contained within the module can be manually actuated to emit a loud high-pitched sound so that an item can be quickly positioned within an area with a lot of luggage. The module sends email and SMS alerts to the shipper and / or item recipient to actively provide environmental conditions such as item location and temperature. Further, if the item's environment deviates from a predetermined tolerance, an audible alert on the item can be triggered and / or the shipper and / or recipient can be informed.

  The present invention is intended for implementing various individual sensors in or on packages and for using these sensors together for specific purposes or for use in the shipping industry, and for customers. Implement ideas for use in individual shipping.

  The ability to locate high value and sensitive deliveries is important. The ability to monitor numerous environmental conditions such as temperature can monitor sensitive deliverables such as pharmaceuticals and provide overall item visibility.

  Including sensors that monitor and report product integrity (eg, how well the product quality has been maintained over time) through a combination of digital detection and radio frequency (RF) for input and output of detection data, New types of sensors are possible. It would be desirable to have a system that uses RF technology to communicate precise, time-dependent shelf life and other time-dependent sensor monitoring of item products.

  A lookout indication system is provided according to the invention including an RFID responder and a lookout sensor. The RFID responding device includes an RF integrated circuit integrated with the antenna. The sensor monitors the time and temperature of the item. The determination module receives time and temperature dependent measurement data from the item integrity sensor to determine the current state. The communication interface with the RFID responding device allows the RFID reader to read the current data corresponding to the state determined by the determination module.

  The lookout instruction system further includes a power management module.

  According to one aspect of the invention, the storage module includes data indicative of one or more predetermined temperature dependent shelf life trends. The determination module determines the current state by applying the measurement data to the trend data from the storage module.

  According to another aspect, the one or more storage media include an RFID responder program unit for controlling the RFID responder, a dedicated sensor data unit including current data, or a special command for reading the data. Or a combination thereof. Data can be accessed directly by the RF reader without interfering with the sensor.

  In a further aspect, the power management module periodically activates the monitoring element from sleep or other low power conditions to collect sensor measurements.

  In a further aspect, a system for monitoring indicators across multiple segments of a product supply chain includes a plurality of monitoring instruction systems configured for transfer of current data from at least a first instruction system to a second instruction system including.

  According to another aspect, the current data includes a transportation impact log that tracks time by transportation impact loss. In a further aspect, the storage log tracks information regarding multiple storage periods about the shipping impact of the item product.

  In order to enhance the functionality described above, it is particularly advantageous for the responder to independently associate data from the sensor.

  As a result, the data transmission service can be selected. For example, the customer may have one or more of the following measured data: item location, impact effects, temperature effects, atmospheric effects, or their effects on the item, e.g. The customer can choose if he wants to measure the temperature.

  If different data are transmitted from the responder to the receiving unit, this allows, for example, flexible selection.

  An example of this is, for example, that location data for each package item is transmitted, but other characteristics, such as the temperature of the item, are not transmitted.

  This allows for different quality services / service levels.

  Advantageously, the logical node of the logistics system decides on the selection of data to be transmitted from the responder to the receiving unit.

  It is advantageous for the unit to send information about the desired data selection to the responder.

  The user can make a selection of the data type to be transmitted.

  Thus, the user can make this selection on the web page.

  FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of the combination between the transmission unit T and the two lookout sensors S. The transmission unit T and the two lookout sensors S are connected via a communication link C.

  One skilled in the art will appreciate that the combination of one transmission unit and two lookout sensors S is just one example of a combination of one or more transmission units and lookout sensors.

  The present invention includes various combinations of lookout sensors and transmission units.

  For example, it is possible to combine more sensors of the same type to obtain a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image of the unit to be measured, for example to obtain a graphical representation of the temperature to be measured.

  However, it is particularly advantageous to implement different sensors, for example to allow the measurement of different data such as temperature, humidity or radiation effects.

  It is further advantageous to implement different transmission units. This makes it possible, for example, to operate at different operating frequencies, such as UHF, HF, etc., under different operating conditions.

  It is further advantageous to implement more transmission units of the same type in order to improve the reading quality or reading speed. Such an implementation is particularly advantageous if the reading of the data has to take place quickly and / or particularly reliably.

  In such a case, it is advantageous to give the responder a certain shape, for example in the form of a net.

Above all,
Several lookout sensors of the same type with one transmission unit;
Several different lookout sensors with one transmission unit T;
Several transmission units T having several monitoring sensors of the same kind;
Several transmission units of the same type with several different lookout sensors;
Several different transmission units with several different lookout sensors S;
Several different transmission units T having the same kind of lookout sensor S;
Consists of

  The connection between the transmission unit and the lookout sensor S can be carried out in different ways, for example via radio or some connector. The connection element according to the invention includes at least one wired connection as well as a wireless connection.

  Of course, all kinds of shapes can be used to connect one or more transmission units T and the lookout sensor S.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the connection unit C is formed as a stripe.

  Forming as a stripe has the advantage that the lookout instruction system can be easily implemented in the luggage.

  It is of course useful to integrate a lookout instruction system within the shipment control and management system.

  Advantageously, the measurement is carried out after a certain time or at certain events, for example by arriving at a certain location such as a carrier or warehouse for storing the packages.

  However, it is also possible to stimulate the sensor in order to perform the measurement with a certain signal.

  Such a signal can be emitted by the control unit.

  Particularly advantageous locations for performing measurements and / or stimulating measurements are customer warehouses, cargo terminals, trucks, airplanes, ships, shipping company warehouses and destinations.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the logistics system for cargo transportation from the starting point to the receiving point.

  The logistics system includes a logical node capable of transmitting control information to at least two sensors of the lookout indication system, and further includes at least one reading unit for receiving data from the lookout sensor. Is provided.

  Various units can be used to transmit data to the control unit. It is particularly advantageous to use transmission units that can also be used for other purposes, such as response devices.

  Preferred communication standards are in accordance with RFID transmission standards and / or mobile communication standards such as, for example, Bluetooth, GSM, GPRS, UMTS, or satellite communication standards.

1 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a load according to the present invention. 2 is a preferred embodiment of a luggage having a protective coating. Fig. 4 is an advantageous embodiment of a package having means for registering items. It is a combination of a transmission unit and two sensors.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Baggage / container 20 Item 21 Response apparatus 30 Lookout sensor 40 Calculation means 50 Determination means 60 Monitoring center 61 Receiver, receiving means 70 Humidity control 80 Communication module 90 Detection apparatus 100 Protective coating 110 Bottom of luggage

Claims (21)

A method for monitoring the storage and / or shipping baggage of at least one item, wherein data about the characteristics of the item and / or the influence on the item are measured, comprising:
At least two sensors are provided so that they can measure the data, the transmission unit receives the data of the at least two sensors, and the transmission unit transmits the data transmitted to the receiving unit. Making decisions about choices,
A method for monitoring storage and / or shipping packages of at least one item characterized by: The transmission unit independently associates the data from the sensor;
The method of claim 1, wherein: The transmission unit is an RFID response device;
The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The transmission unit operates according to mobile communication standards;
The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: A logical node of the logistics system determines the selection of the data transmitted from the transmission unit to the receiving unit;
The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one of the sensors is provided such that it can detect the influence of a parameter that requires a change in the data transmission;
A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The control unit transmits information about the selection of the desired data to the response device;
The method of claim 6, wherein: That the user can select the type of data to be transmitted,
A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The user can make the selection on a web page;
The method of claim 8, wherein: A lookout instruction system,
A response device including an integrated circuit integrated with the antenna;
At least two watch sensors capable of monitoring at least one physical property of the item;
A storage module including data indicating one or more predetermined temperature-dependent shelf life trends;
A determination module for determining a current state by receiving time and temperature dependent measurement data from the lookout sensor and applying the measurement data to the trend data from the storage module;
A communication interface transmission unit for causing a reading unit to read out current data corresponding to the state determined by the determination module;
With a power management module,
The transmission unit includes alarm and sensor status data, and program instructions for relaying communication between the transmission unit and the sensor.
Lookout instruction system.   One or more additional lookout sensors that are integral with the responder for communication are further included, and the same or different readers, or both, can receive item data measured by the one or more additional lookout sensors. The look-ahead instruction system according to claim 10, wherein reading is performed.   The look-out instruction system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the storage module includes a response device unit for controlling the response device and a dedicated sensor unit including sensor data.   The watch system according to claim 12, wherein the response device unit includes alarm and sensor status data, and the program command for relaying communication between the reader and the sensor.   14. A monitoring module compares the status data with one or more predetermined trends and provides an alert when at least one impact data reaches a critical value. Lookout instruction system.   One or more additional item integrity sensors that are integral with the responder for communication, further comprising measuring the same or different readers, or both, with the one or more additional item integrity sensors The lookout instruction system according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the item data read out is read out.   The look-out instruction system according to claim 10, wherein the storage module includes a response device unit for controlling the response device and a dedicated sensor unit including the sensor data.   The watch device according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the response device unit includes alarm and sensor status data, and the program command for relaying communication between the reader and the sensor.   18. A look-ahead indication system according to any of claims 10 to 17, wherein a power management module periodically activates the monitoring element from sleep or other low power conditions to collect sensor measurements. A logistics system for transporting a package (10) having at least one item (20) from a starting point to a receiving point,
The logistics system includes a logical node capable of transmitting control information to at least two sensors of the lookout indication system and further includes at least one reading unit for receiving data from the lookout sensor;
A logistics system characterized by The control information is transmitted by a response device;
The logistics system according to claim 19, characterized in that: The control information is transmitted according to a telecommunication standard;
The physical distribution system according to claim 19 or 20, wherein

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